Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte Syrup Recipe: Fall in a Jar!
We’ve been making our own pumpkin spice latte syrup for years now. It’s become a staple in our kitchen every fall.
There’s just something special about having the cozy pumpkin flavor ready to add to our morning coffee or afternoon tea. We love how easy it is to make and how it lets us control exactly how sweet or spicy it turns out.
Homemade pumpkin spice latte syrup is simply a mix of real pumpkin puree, warm fall spices, sugar, and vanilla, simmered together to create a rich, flavorful syrup that’s perfect for coffee and more. This way, we skip the store-bought versions full of artificial stuff and enjoy a fresh, natural taste.
We usually whip up a batch when the weather starts to cool down. It’s perfect for sharing with friends or adding to pancakes and hot chocolate.
Nutritional Value
When we make homemade pumpkin spice latte syrup, we can control what goes into it. This helps us keep it healthier than many store-bought versions.
A typical pumpkin spice latte syrup has natural sugars from ingredients like maple syrup or pumpkin puree. These add flavor without too much extra sugar.
We usually use about 1 tablespoon of maple syrup in the recipe. Here’s a quick look at the calories and nutrients in one serving of the syrup mixed into a latte:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~299 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 35 grams |
| Sugar | 23 grams |
| Fat | 17 grams |
| Protein | 4 grams |
| Fiber | 4 grams |
The fat mostly comes from coconut cream if we use it. It adds creaminess without dairy.
Because we make this ourselves, we can cut back on sugar or swap ingredients for what fits our diet. For example, skipping maple syrup lowers the sugar even more.
This syrup also gives us some vitamins like Vitamin A from pumpkin puree, which is a nice bonus.
Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte Syrup Recipe
Making pumpkin spice latte syrup at home means you control the flavors and ingredients. We use simple spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and allspice blended with pumpkin puree and vanilla extract.
This syrup sweetens and flavors your coffee perfectly without any artificial stuff.
Ingredients & Tools
We start with pumpkin puree—not pumpkin pie filling—as the filling is too sweet and full of extra stuff. For sweetness, we mix brown sugar and granulated sugar, but you can swap granulated sugar for coconut sugar or maple syrup if you want a different twist.
We use a tablespoon of pumpkin pie spice, which includes cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and allspice. A teaspoon of vanilla extract adds a nice depth to the flavor.
The tools are simple: a saucepan, whisk, measuring spoons, and a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to make the syrup smooth.
Step by Step Instructions
First, pour 1 cup of water into a small saucepan. Add 2/3 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and the pumpkin pie spice.
Heat this over medium-high, whisking until the sugar dissolves and the spices bloom for about 2 minutes. Next, reduce the heat and whisk in 1/4 cup pumpkin puree and 1 tsp vanilla extract.
Stir gently but don’t let it boil. After everything looks smooth, remove it from the heat.
Pour the syrup through a fine mesh strainer into a container to catch any lumps. Let the syrup cool completely.
Store it in the fridge for up to a month. When you want a pumpkin spice latte, start with a tablespoon of syrup in your coffee and adjust to taste.
Variations of This Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte Syrup Recipe for Different Diets
We can easily tweak this pumpkin spice syrup to fit different diets without losing that cozy fall flavor. For those who want a dairy-free option, swapping coconut milk for almond milk works well.
Almond milk keeps the syrup light and nutty, and it blends smoothly into coffee or tea. If you prefer a richer texture, we can use condensed milk instead.
This adds sweetness and creaminess, making the syrup perfect for a dessert-style latte. Just remember, condensed milk is thicker and sweeter, so you might want to reduce other sugars in the recipe.
For a sugar-free or low-sugar syrup, try substituting coconut sugar with a natural sweetener like stevia or erythritol. These keep the syrup sweet without extra carbs.
We just have to be careful with amounts since these sweeteners can be much sweeter than sugar. If you’re aiming for an allergy-friendly version, using water or brewed tea in place of milk can also work well.
This keeps the syrup simple and allows us to enjoy the pumpkin pie spice without any allergens.
Here is a quick look at some swaps:
| Ingredient | Alternative | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Coconut Milk | Almond Milk | Dairy-free, nutty flavor |
| Coconut Sugar | Stevia, Erythritol | Low or no sugar |
| Condensed Milk | Coconut Milk or Almond | Creamy, sweeter option |
| Milk (for latte) | Brewed Tea or Water | Allergy-friendly, light |
Serving & Storage Tips
When it’s time to serve, we love adding our homemade pumpkin spice latte syrup to fresh espresso shots. If you have an espresso machine, pull 1-2 shots to start.
Then, add 1-2 tablespoons of the syrup and stir well. Next, steam and froth your milk using a milk frother.
Pour the warm milk slowly into the espresso and syrup mix to create that smooth latte texture. Don’t forget to top it off with whipped cream for a creamy finish.
A light sprinkle of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice on top adds a nice touch too. For storing, keep our syrup in a clean jar or bottle.
It stays good in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Shake the bottle before each use, as the spices can settle at the bottom.
If you want to gift some syrup, putting a label or ribbon around the bottle makes it special. Our syrup can also be used in hot chocolate or tea if we want to mix things up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Making a tasty pumpkin spice syrup at home is pretty simple. We use real pumpkin puree, a mix of warm spices, sugar, and water to get that cozy flavor just right.
Storing it and using it in lattes or coffee is easy too.
How can I make pumpkin spice syrup at home for my coffee?
We start by combining pumpkin puree, sugar, water, and pumpkin pie spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves in a saucepan. Then, we bring it to a boil and simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes until it thickens into syrup.
What’s the best way to create a pumpkin spice latte like Starbucks?
Make your latte by mixing 3-4 tablespoons of homemade pumpkin spice syrup with 2 cups of milk. Heat it, froth it up, then pour it with strong espresso or coffee.
Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon or caramel for that Starbucks touch.
Can I whip up pumpkin spice syrup without using pumpkin puree?
Yes, you can use pumpkin pie spice or just the spices without pumpkin puree, but it won’t have the same rich pumpkin flavor. Puree adds the authentic pumpkin taste and texture that really makes the syrup special.
Is there a DIY recipe for a killer pumpkin spice syrup?
Absolutely. Use real pumpkin puree, sugar (brown or white), water, vanilla extract, and the key spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger.
Cook these together, let it thicken, then cool and store.
What are some must-have spices to nail that perfect homemade pumpkin spice syrup?
Cinnamon, nutmeg, ground cloves, and ginger are the basics we need. They give that classic autumn vibe.
Using fresh, good-quality spices makes a big difference in how fragrant and tasty the syrup turns out.
How do I store homemade pumpkin spice syrup, and how long does it last?
Store it in a sealed jar or container in the fridge. It will thicken but will turn back into syrup when warmed.
Usually, it lasts up to a week if kept cold and sealed tightly. Shake it before each use.
